Hair tree holder

ABSTRACT

Hair tree support adapted for holding and organizing sections of precut human or synthetic hair and their packages for use by a hairdresser in braiding or hair extension techniques and the like. The support includes a base, a vertically extending member, and a rotatable top assembly having radial arms equipped with non-slip hooks and non-slip hair rests. Hair baskets with longitudinal slits therein for supporting long hair sections and hair packages passing therethrough are mounted to the member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to organizers for hairdressing and beautysupplies and more particularly pertains to a new holder for neatly andefficiently holding and arranging lengths of human and synthetic hairfor use in forming braids, weaves, extensions, plaits, dreadlocks, andthe like.

BACKGROUND

Modern and traditional hairdressing arts include a number of techniquesthat require the incorporation of lengths of precut natural or synthetichair into the hairstyle of a client. Popular techniques include hairbraiding, weaving, extensions, corn rows, plaits, micro-braids,dreadlocks, kinky twists, bob-layered-bob, and invisible braids, whichmay be applied in professional beauty salons or at home.

These techniques require a high degree of dexterity and knowledge andare time-consuming. In order to successfully complete an attractivestyle in a reasonable time without tiring the hairdresser or thesubject, the hairdresser must utilize and preferably properly place amultiplicity of lengths of natural or synthetic hair, scissors, combs,brushes, clips, lotions, and the like.

It has previously been recognized that it is advantageous to providestorage devices and dispensing racks for hairdressing tools close to ahairdressing workstation in order to have all required materials andtools readily available. However, techniques that incorporate precutlengths of natural or synthetic hair present particular problems for theefficient organization of materials.

Precut hair may tangle if carelessly placed on work surfaces orfurniture, and may be easily dislodged causing it to fall unhygenicallyto the floor. If the hairdresser has to hold precut hair for an extendedperiod, dexterity is reduced and the time required for the technique isextended. Without a systematic method and holder upon which to arrangethe lengths of precut hair according, for example, to length, hue, andamount as appropriate for the particular technique, the hairdresser willnot be effectively organized.

Holders known in the art for use by hairdressers fail to address theneeds or provide advantageous features specifically for use intechniques that require the incorporation of lengths of precut naturalor synthetic hair into the hairstyle of a client.

Examples of holders known in the art for use by hairdressers andbeauticians are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,055,194,which discloses a materials storage and dispenser case for use byhairdressers; U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,988, which discloses a fashionaccessory holding device; U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,680, which discloses arack for holding hairdressing tools; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,755 B1,which discloses a beauty and hair accessories organizer.

However, each of these pieces of art suffers from one or more of thefollowing drawbacks: no provision is made for the secure holding andorganization of multiple lengths of precut hair; the holders are notreadily adjustable or adaptable to provide convenient and dynamic accessto the precut hair; and the devices are not readily stowable.

Thus, notwithstanding the existence of a variety of supports for use bybeauticians and hairdressers in the art, there is a continuing need foran improved holder that is capable of neatly and efficiently holding andarranging synthetic and human hair and packages thereof in a convenient,adaptable, adjustable, rotatable, and stowable manner. The presentinvention substantially fulfills these needs and more as will becomeapparent to one of ordinary skill upon reading the disclosure, drawings,and claims appended hereto.

SUMMARY

The hair tree holder of the present invention satisfies the need for adevice that is capable of neatly and efficiently holding and arrangingsynthetic and human hair and its packages in a convenient, adaptable,adjustable, rotatable, and stowable manner. The general purpose of theinvention is to provide a holder that has many of the advantages of theholders mentioned herein and many novel features to be describedsubsequently, which together result in a novel and useful hair treeholder that is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or evenimplied by any of the prior art holders, either alone or in combination.

Thus, a first embodiment of a hair tree holder having features of thepresent invention comprises a vertically extending member having a topend and a bottom end. Optionally, the member is vertically extensible. Astabilizing base is mounted to the bottom end of the member, and two ormore mounts for baskets are disposed along the member, to which can bemounted two or more hair baskets, each hair basket comprising sides anda bottom, the bottom comprising a pair of longitudinal openings suitablefor passing sections of hair or hair packages through. The holderfurther comprises a top assembly that is mounted to the top end of themember and is capable of rotating about an essentially vertical axis.The top assembly comprises at least two, and preferably four or more,arms that extend horizontally and radially from the top end. Along eacharm, two or more spaced-apart non-slip hooks, preferably five, areprovided for holding lengths of hair, and a non-slip hair rest, such asa bifurcated V-shaped or Y-shaped rest, is mounted to the distal end.

In a second embodiment of a hair tree holder according to the presentinvention a stand comprising a vertical mounting point is provided, anda top assembly is rotatably mounted to the mounting point. Optionally,the stand is vertically extensible. The assembly comprises at least twohorizontally extending radial arms each comprising a proximal endadjacent the mounting point and a distal end. The arms each comprise atwo or more, and preferably five, spaced-apart non-slip hooks disposedbetween the proximal and distal ends of the arms, and a non-slip hairrest is mounted to the distal end of the arm.

In a third embodiment, a hair tree holder is provided in which thenon-slip hooks and rests comprise a resin coating.

In a fourth embodiment, a hair tree holder is provided wherein the baseis provided with rolling means such as rollers or wheels.

In a fifth embodiment, a hair tree holder is provided in which one ormore accessory baskets comprising continuous bottoms are mounted to themounts for the storage and arrangement of beauty accessories and tools.

In a sixth embodiment, a hair tree holder is provided in which theproximal end of each arm is connected to the top assembly by a hinge,whereby the arm can be placed in a downward position for storage whennot in use.

There has been outlined rather broadly certain of the embodiments of thehair tree holder according to the present invention and their moreimportant features in order that the detailed description following maybe better understood, and the present inventive contribution to the artbetter appreciated. Additional features of the invention describedsubsequently will form the subject matter of the certain claims appendedhereto.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to thedetails of construction and arrangement of components of the specificembodiments provided in the following description or as illustrated inthe drawings, which are provided for illustrative purposes. The hairtree holder of the present invention is capable of being practiced invarious and diverse ways, and the terminology used herein is likewisefor descriptive purposes and should not be regarded as limiting.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a holderthat conveniently holds and organizes sections of hair for use inbraiding and other hairdressing techniques, for use by professionalhairdressers or for home use.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a hair tree holderthat is readily adaptable for holding sections of hair in multiplearrangements and positions, whether packaged and unpackaged, or ofdifferent lengths, color, and amounts, for convenient organizationaccording to the hairdressing technique to be used.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a hair tree holderthat can be conveniently positioned relative the user by rotation of thetop assembly and, optionally, by the use of rolling means, and that isoptionally adjustable to the height of the user.

It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a hair treeholder that permits a user to avoid holding hair sections or theirpackages for long periods of time while braiding or performing otherhairdressing techniques.

It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a hair treeholder that permits a user to avoid the unhygienic and disorganizedlaying of hair sections and their packages on furniture duringhairdressing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of one embodiment of a hair tree holderaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the hair basket and mounts of theembodiment of FIG. 1 in further detail.

FIG. 3 shows a partial cut-away view of an embodiment of a holder of thepresent invention comprising a hinged arm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary but non-limiting embodiments of the present inventionare now described for illustrative purposes with reference to theattached drawings.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a hair tree holder 100 comprises verticallyextending member 102 comprising a bottom end 104 and a top end 106, thebottom end 104 mounted to base 108, and the top end 106 rotatablymounted to a top assembly 110 for rotation about a vertical axis. Aplurality of spaced-apart mounts 112 are disposed about the verticallyextending member 102 between bottom end 104 and top end 106 for mountinga plurality of hair baskets 114, the hair baskets each comprising sides116 and a base 118, the base comprising a pair of longitudinal slits120, 122 through which hair sections or packages can be passed forsupport.

Top assembly 110 comprises two or more horizontally extending radialarms, preferably four arms 124, 126, 128, and 130. The proximal ends 132of the arms are adjacent top end 106 and extend essentiallyhorizontally. The distal ends of the arms are disposed radially aboutthe top end 106. Between the proximal 132 and distal end 134 of eacharm, a plurality of non-slip hooks 136 is disposed for holding sectionsof hair. At the distal end 134 of each arm, a non-slip hair rest 138 isprovided capable of supporting substantial sections of hair.

Vertically extending member 102 can be of constant or varyingcross-section and can be, for example, a hollow tube or solid pole. Amember according to the present invention preferably has a circularcross-section of constant cross-section, and a member having atriangular, square, or polygonal cross-section can also be used. Themember can be of a metal such as steel or aluminum, or can be of anysufficiently rigid polymer such as a plastic or fiberglass capable ofself-support when attached to a top assembly and in use. The membersupports and elevates the top assembly at a convenient working height.To accommodate users of differing heights, the member is optionallyvertically extensible. In preferred embodiments, the member comprisesconcentric tubes of different sizes, the smaller disposed within thelarger in a telescoping configuration. The member can comprise any of anumber of means well-known in the art for securing the member at theselected length. For example, and without limitation, the member cancomprise a locking device such as a nut engaging and fastening alignedthreaded portions of both tubes, a clip for securing the aligned tubesby engaging holes, depressions or cut-outs therein, a threaded fittingsuch as a collar threadingly engaging the larger tube and disposed togrip the smaller tube when turned, and a pin such as a cotter pin forengaging aligned holes in the two tubes. Referring again to FIG. 1,member 102 comprises a smaller tube 140 disposed telescopically within aportion of larger tube 142, the tubes secured to each other at aselected total length by collar 144, which threadingly engages largertube 142 and compresses smaller tube 140. The member 102 can be of anylength, and preferably has an adjustable or fixed length from about teninches to about six feet.

Base 108 supports and stabilizes member 102 at its bottom end, and isnot particularly limited as to size and shape, and any base ofsufficient size to provide adequate support and stability can be used.In preferred embodiments, the base comprises three or more radial legs146 contacting a solid surface at non-slip feet 148 such as rubber feet,and is mounted to the bottom end 104 of member 102 at receptacle 150. Inother embodiments, the base can be in the form of a flat base such as acircular, square, or polygonal base comprising a central verticallyoriented mount for mounting to the bottom end of the member. The basecan be of any suitably rigid material such as a metal, plastic or otherpolymer. In alternative embodiments, the base can optionally compriserolling means such as a plurality of optionally lockable wheels,rollers, castors, or the like.

Referring further to FIG. 1, spaced-apart mounts 112 are provided at aplurality of locations along member 102 for mounting to hair baskets andoptional accessory baskets for holding hair and hair accessories, andfor permitting the baskets to be positioned at various positions toadapt to the specific needs of a user. In the embodiment shown in FIG.1, the mounts comprise shaped holes in the member adapted to receivecomplementary projections on the baskets, but the form of the mount isnot particularly limited and can include, for example, threaded holesfor accepting a screw, an adjustable collar adapted to secure the memberto the basket, a projection from the member adapted to engage areceptacle in the basket, a pin or bolt engaging the basket and themember, and the like. Preferably, there are from about two to about tenmounts.

Top assembly 110 provides novel and specialized storage for sections ofhair, which enhances the usefulness of the present holder to bothprofessional hairdressers and home users. A plurality of spaced apartnon-slip hooks 136, preferably five, is disposed on each arm. The hooksare of a suitable size for holding sections of hair, and comprise anon-slip surface such as a resin or textured rubber coating (FIG. 3,310). to securely retain hair. Preferably, the hooks are mounted to thelower surface of the arms and are mounted to the arm by a screw or boltsuch that the hooks can be rotated to any position for use or storage.The hooks can be made of any suitably tough and rigid material such asstainless steel, a plastic, or wood. In shape, the hooks preferablycomprise a flattened, rather than a curved, working surface. Optionally,the top surface of each arm comprises a longitudinal strip of a non-slipsurface such as a resin or textured rubber to further enhance thesecurity of hair lengths placed thereon 152.

Hair baskets 114 are adapted to hold lengths of hair, such as hairextensions. The baskets can be mesh or solid, and can be formed ofmetal, plastic, natural fibers, or any other known basket material.Preferably, the baskets are formed from a plastic mesh.

Non-slip hair rest 138 is provided at the distal end of the arm. Therest preferably comprises a bifurcated shape such as a V-shape orY-shape to securely hold long sections of hair, which may requiredraping over the rests of two arms. The rests are of a suitable size forholding sections of hair, and comprise a non-slip surface such as aresin or textured rubber coating to securely retain the hair (FIG. 3,308). The rest is preferably mounted to the end of the arm by a fastenersuch as a screw or bolt, which permits rotation of the rest about anaxis approximately coincident with the longitudinal axis of the armwhereby the rest can be rotated into a down position when not in use.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a hair basket 114 and basket mount 202, 204 ofa preferred embodiment are shown in greater detail. The pair oflongitudinal openings 120, 122, in hair basket 114 is capable ofsupporting both sections of longer hair and also packages of long hair.The basket mount comprises a portion 204 adapted to engage aspaced-apart mount 112, such as a tang, prong, hook, thread, clip, orthe like, and a portion 202 connecting the mount to the basket side 116.The mount can be of any sufficiently rigid material, such as metal,wood, or plastic. Placement of hair through openings 120, 122conveniently eliminates the need to either fold the hair or to drape itover adjacent furniture or the like, and permits the hair to lieessentially flat. Openings 120, 122 are preferably positioned onopposite parts of the basket, most preferably along the lower edges ofopposing basket sides 116, or along opposite edges of base 118, or acombination of both. The length and width of the openings is selected topermit ready insertion through, and removal of, hair or a hair packagefrom the openings. A width of about one-half to about 1.5 inches ispreferred, and a length of about two inches to about eight inches ispreferred. In use, each end of a length of long hair or a hair packageis inserted through a different opening in the basket so that theapproximate center (by length or mass) of the hair or package is stablysupported within the basket and the balance of the hair or packageextends from the basket.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an embodiment is shown in which the arms 302optionally comprise a hinge 304 and a locking means 306, such as twohingedly connected levers 312, 314 further comprising a locking tab 316,for attachment to the top assembly, permitting the arm to be positionedin an extended horizontal position when in use, or placed in a downwardposition for storage.

In use, the hair tree holder of the present invention can be used asfollows, the steps capable of execution in various orders. The base ispositioned on a secure footing conveniently adjacent the user. The arms,if stowed in a downward position, are extended and locked in ahorizontal position, and the hooks and rests are rotated to positionthem to conveniently support hair. Hair baskets are mounted to themember. Hair lengths are sorted and positioned upon the hooks, upon therests, and in the hair baskets as appropriate for a particular subject,technique, and as selected by the user. For example, the hair can bedivided and separately supported on the hair tree according to length,curliness, color, tint, combination of colors, or other criteria, if thetechnique so requires. Alternatively, all or most of the required haircan be placed on the hair tree holder together, for example on one ormore hair rests, and portions of hair can be removed piecemeal asneeded. The present invention provides great flexibility in the mannerin which hair can be arranged and supported for use. Other accessoriessuch as combs, brushes, hair-spray, mousse, gel, mirrors, scissors, andthe like, can be positioned in hair or accessory baskets according tothe preference of the user. The hair lengths being thus arranged andheld, the user can efficiently and methodically begin the technique. Forstorage, the holder is emptied, optionally hinged arms stowed downwards,and hooks and rests turned inward and downward, respectively.

The previously described versions of the hair tree holder of the presentinvention have many advantages. For example, the arrangement of non-sliphooks, non-slip rests, and hair baskets afforded by the structure of thepresent invention neatly, conveniently, and efficiently holds andarranges synthetic and human hair and packages. The rotatable topassembly, and the permutations in which hair baskets can be arranged,make the present invention adaptable and adjustable to diversesituations, users and techniques.

It should be understood that not all embodiments of the inventionrequire each advantage listed herein, and that not all advantages of theinvention may have been listed.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions arepossible and can be envisaged within the scope and spirit of the presentinvention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims shouldnot be limited to the description of the preferred versions containedherein.

Now that the invention has been described:

1. A hair tree holder for supporting lengths of hair for use by ahairdresser, the holder comprising: a vertically extending member havinga top end, a bottom end, and a plurality of spaced-apart mounts forbaskets; a base mounted to the bottom end of the member; a plurality ofhair baskets mounted to said mounts, each said basket comprising sidesand a bottom, the bottom comprising a pair of longitudinal openings; anda top assembly rotatably mounted to the top end of the member, theassembly comprising a plurality of horizontally extending radial armseach comprising a proximal end adjacent the top end of the member and adistal end and further comprising a plurality of spaced-apart non-sliphooks disposed between the proximal and distal ends and a non-slip hairrest mounted to the distal end for supporting said lengths of hair. 2.The hair tree holder according to claim 1, wherein said non-slip hairrest and said non-slip hooks comprise a resinous or rubber coating. 3.The hair tree holder according to claim 1, wherein the base comprises arolling means.
 4. The hair tree holder according to claim 1, furthercomprising one or more accessory baskets comprising a continuous bottommounted to said mounts.
 5. The hair tree holder according to claim 1,wherein the proximal ends of the arms are hingedly connected at theirproximal ends for stowing in a downward position.
 6. The hair treeholder according to claim 1, comprising between about two and about tenmounts.
 7. The hair tree holder according to claim 1, wherein thenon-slip hair rest is a vertical bifurcated rest.
 8. The hair treeholder according to claim 1, comprising between two and about six saidarms.
 9. The hair tree holder according to claim 1, in which the memberis vertically extensible.
 10. A hair tree holder for supporting lengthsof hair for use by a hairdresser, the device comprising: a standcomprising a vertical mounting point; and a top assembly rotatablymounted to the mounting point, the assembly comprising a plurality ofhorizontally extending radial arms each comprising a proximal endadjacent the mounting point and a distal end, the arms comprising aplurality of spaced-apart non-slip hooks disposed between the proximaland distal ends and a non-slip hair rest mounted to the distal end forsupporting said lengths of hair.
 11. The device according to claim 10,further comprising at least one basket mounted to said stand, the basketcomprising sides and a bottom, the bottom comprising a pair oflongitudinal slits.
 13. The hair tree holder according to claim 10,wherein said non-slip hair rest and said non-slip hooks comprise aresinous or rubber coating.
 14. The hair tree holder according to claim10, wherein the stand comprises a rolling means.
 15. The hair treeholder according to claim 10, wherein the proximal ends of the arms arehingedly connected at their proximal ends for stowing in a downwardposition.
 16. The hair tree holder according to claim 10, in which thestand is vertically extensible.